The Common Signs That Indicate Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Many families in New Zealand who own heat pumps often complain of sky-high energy bills. The culprit? Neglect and improper use.

To feel the heat quickly, some homeowners make it a habit to use the heat pump at high settings. The remote control makes it so easy to change the thermostat every now and then. Doing this, however, can lead to a more serious (and costly) problem later on.

If you have one in your home, perhaps you already know how easy and convenient it is to use it. This equipment comes with responsibility, though. The basic rules include duration of use, regular cleaning of filters and the use of the right settings. With proper care, a heat pump can be one of the most efficient home heating systems. The following lists down the warning signs that it may be time to get some professional help and have your equipment examined:

Ice Build-up

Have you recently noticed some ice developing along the coils? This is the first sign your heating system is having some problems. It could be a refrigerant leak or a dirty coil, which makes it difficult to allow easy heat absorption. If you are thinking of just scraping the ice off, forget that. Industry professionals like EastsideRefrigeration.co.nz note that it can only do more harm than good. If you can’t seal the leak, it is best to contact a technician to have your heat pump repaired and cleaned.

Weird Noises

Be on the lookout for loud, strange noises from the cabinet. Heat pumps are quiet devices, so hearing a grinding or clicking sound is not good. This indicates a problem withlubrication or failing capacitors. Unless you have knowledge in fixing a heating system, it is not advisable to attempt repair on your own.

Stuck in One Mode

This is a pretty obvious sign, as it’s not normal for a heat pump to refuse to heat or cool. The issue is probably with the reversing valve, the unit responsible for getting the refrigerant to change flow direction.

Part of maintaining your heating equipment is to be aware of the tell-tale signs. Arming yourself with the right information is a must.